Shades of '95

As the news of Cristiano Ronaldo's imminent departure sunk in, Carlos Tevez refused to tie his future to the Champions of England. United couldn't have had a worse start to the transfer window. Two of the most crucial players have left the Theater of Dreams creating a huge void for Sir Alex to fill. It is a situation United have been familiar with.

In the summer of 95, United let Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis leave Old Trafford much to the dismay of the fans. These were three very important members of the squad. But, Sir Alex knew that time had come to look to the future. He didn't spend big which again agitated the fans. Instead, he used this situation as an opportunity to give academy players their big break. Alan Hansen famously said, "You'll never win anything with kids". But, the players rewarded their Manager's faith by proving everyone wrong. Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham went on to become Old Trafford legends and won everything with United.

Today Manchester United find themselves in a similar situation. Two of the most influential members of the squad have left. Fans are demanding fresh faces. Renowned superstars like David Villa, Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery, David Silva and Sergio Aguero have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. But, Manchester United haven't bought anyone. The money generated from Ronaldo's departure may be used to wipe off a significant amount of debt that United have been operating under. It seems that Luis Valencia will join the Red Devils in the next few days. He is a good winger who'll create a lot of chances for the strikers. It'll be up to Rooney and Berbatov to step up and take those chances. Then there are youngsters like Welbeck, Macheda, Tosic, Fabio, Possebon and Petrucci who have developed really well under the watchful eyes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Evans and Rafael got a lot of chances with the first team last season and they were absolutely magnificent. Another youngster Adem Ljajic will join United in January. I have heard a lot of positive things about him. So, its not as bad as it looks. Sir Alex may have lost two of his superstars but he has a whole bunch of future stars waiting in the wings. This is the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford and this time too United won't buy superstars, they'll make them.

Viva Ronaldo

In the summer of 2003, United's superstar David Beckham joined Real Madrid. Sir Alex bought an unknown 18 year old as his replacement and gave him the famous no 7 jersey. This kid had talent but sometimes frustrated his own team mates by trying win the game on his own. Passing was not on top of his priority list. Then he had a bust up with his striking partner at 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was made the scapegoat of England's demise in yet another World Cup. He feared for his safety in England but Sir Alex convinced him to continue his career at Old Trafford. The fans welcomed him back but he was targeted in the away fixtures. The booing and whistling made him stronger and more determined to prove his critics wrong. He scored 23 goals in a campaign which brought back the Premier League title to Old Trafford. He followed it up with an unbelievable return of 42 goals in his next season. United retained the Premier League crown and went on to win the Champions League. He won all the personal accolades for his majestic performances. The kid had matured now. He couldn't follow the dream season with similar success partly because of an injury and partly beacuse of the immense weight of expectations. But, he still ended up as United's top scorer with 26 goals and was instrumental in United equalling Liverpool's record of 18 League titles. United reached another Champions League Final but fell at the last hurdle. This lad looked like the only player who was trying to win the game for United. He finally decided to move to his dream club after 6 years of unbelievable success at Old Trafford.

Many fans say that he is not loyal to the club that made him what he is today. But, I believe that his contribution towards United's recent success evens everything out. United were there for him in his darkest hours and he rewarded United with a bag full of trophies. He had 6 wonderful years at the Theater of Dreams. He was one of the best players ever to have donned the Red shirt. I won't wish him luck simply because I hate the club he is moving to but I'd thank him for what he has done for Manchester United in the last six years. I say it one last time:
Viva Ronaldo,
Viva Ronaldo,
Running Down the Wing,
Hear United Sing,
Viva Ronaldo.